FFA News

The grain merchandizing team of Adi Bruner, Tanner Hostetler and Travis Beck, from left, placed fifth in the state test.– courtesy photo Twenty-seven Pettisville FFA members attended the Ohio FFA Convention, Thursday and Friday, May 5-6.

It consisted of five sessions: career development, event contests, talent show, career show, and awards.

The Pettisville chapter received awards in many areas.

The grain merchandising team of Tanner Hostetler, Adi Bruner, and Travis Beck placed fifth. Hostetler placed eighth as an individual.

While agri-science students prepared for judging on Thursday morning, other students went on a tour of The Ohio State University campus. Rebekah Meller, a former Pettisville FFA member, hosted the tour.

At the agri-science fair seven students received gold ratings and five won their divisions.

Vicki Nofziger won the specialty crop proficiency award at the State FFA Convention. She raises broomcorn and other decorative crops like millet. With Vicki are her parents, Cathy and Jeff, who were selected to receive the State FFA Honorary Degree. The degree recognizes people who have been important supporters at the local and state level.– courtesy photo Placing first were Taylor Kruse, Spotts, Brooke Betz, Pursel, and Chrysta Beck. They qualified to present their projects at the National FFA Agri-Science Fair in October.

Also receiving gold ratings were Hannah Meller (and a second place) and Kelsey Weirauch.

Kayla King and Vicki Nofziger earned State Profi ciency Winner plaques and checks. King placed first in small animal production.

The agricultural engineering team of Torin Blosser, Nathan Spotts and Justin Pursel, from left, placed ninth after the state test and a two-hour practicum held at The Ohio State University ag engineering labs.– courtesy photo V. Nofziger placed first in specialty crops, second in diversified livestock production, and third in swine production. She was also named District 1 Star Farmer.

Jeff and Cathy Nofziger, Pettisville FFA Alumni members, were raised to the Honorary State FFA Degree for their commitment to FFA activities at local, state and national levels. Both are active in supporting FFA members in many different ways.

Other members also were involved in the convention. R. Meller was on stage as a national winner from last fall.

Blosser, a senior, played the trombone in the Ohio FFA Band and Choir.

Trisha Cousino was recognized for winning a state FFA alumni scholarship to Washington Leadership Conference. She and C. Beck will attend WLC, June 7-11.

C. Beck was awarded an alumni scholarship through the Pettisville FFA Alumni, who earn one each year for having 100-plus lifetime members.

Both scholarships were worth $550.

The chapter was recognized for donations of $200 or more to the CROP Church World Services charity and the Children’s Hospital, Miracle Center drive. Arrin Short and Nathan Betz represented Pettisville on stage.